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Getting toddler to stay in bed

7 replies

tinkeroo · 09/07/2008 18:33

DS, nearly 3yo, keeps waiting till bedtime to poo, knows its guarenteed to get my attention. Trying really hard not to engage with her too much when happens, any helpful suggestions?

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sophierosie · 09/07/2008 18:38

My dd's toilet routine changed recently whereas she used to generally poo after tea she then changed to after her bedtime story - probably about teh same ages - I just left her to get on with it and told her to call me when she was done - she now knows that she's not going to get any more fun for the day and as soon as I head off downstairs she's calling to say she's done. Then straight back into bed and out the door!

Maybe start bedtime earlier to compensate for all the faffing around (if you're bothered about bedtime being later).

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utterlyconfused · 09/07/2008 18:39

Is she actually in bed? And does she actually poo?
When my dd was about 3 she was constipated and resisting poo-ing we sat her on the loo at bathtime and wouldn't let her get in the bath until she'd done one. Sometimes took a v long time but was effective. You could try it. Don't let her get in the bath, or have a story, or whatever her bedtime routine is, don't let it progress until she's poo'd. Busy yourself doing something useful (putting clothes away, even reading the paper) to show her you're not fussed in the least, and just let her sit there 'til it's done... no matter how long it takes. She'll get bored.

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tinkeroo · 09/07/2008 18:45

Sorry re my new MN status, should have put DD (she won't know). Bedtime routine from ~6pm, cbeebies bedtime hour, wash & nappy on, in bed by ~7.20, then shouts me to says shes poo'd in her nappy about 8pm, always very proud of herself. Using toilet during day, not constipated.

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nowwearefour · 09/07/2008 18:50

I reckon the change is when they are potty trained in the day but not yet doing poos in the toilet? the same has happened to my dd1 who is 3 this month. i have just assumed is waiting for the bedtime nappy. she is now asking for a nappy to do the poo whenever in the day and as she knows i wont try and pressure her to do it in the potty she sometimes gets on wiht it. tonight she didnt do it so i sorted out dd2 then told her it was her bedtime and took nappy off etc. all seemed to go ok but no poo today!

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utterlyconfused · 09/07/2008 18:51

God, that's even worse if you're having to change a nappy. You could try taking her away from Cbeebies at about 6.45 and telling her she can go back to it once she's done her poo. I know she may not be ready, but on the other hand, she might be. If it's only an hour off she might be able to summon it a bit earlier.

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springerspaniel · 09/07/2008 18:52

Mine did the same when he was first potty trained. Sometimes he'd claim he needed a pooh several times and I kept taking him to the loo. I did the same as you - no fuss and not to much chat. He would try and chat to me whilst sitting on the loo but I'd just say 'no talking, it's bedtime angel' or something along those lines. Nice but firm. Sometimes he would have a pooh, sometimes not.

Only lasted 2 or 3 weeks if memory serves. He just started not needing to pooh at that time.

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tinkeroo · 09/07/2008 19:03

Thanks, I'll try the cbeebies bribe. She often shouts several times that she needs a poo, then just sits on the toilet singing, sometimes wees but not often a poo. Usually then poos 15mins later in nappy. Aaaaaagh!. Been going on about 2months. I went back to work April, after maternity leave, fulltime, DH helping with childcare, DD2 is now 7months. I think this has a lot to do with it. Will persevere.